CARDIFF CITY boss Lennie Lawrence is poised to swoop for Wimbledon's hottest youngsters after the London club was placed into administration yesterday.

CARDIFF CITY boss Lennie Lawrence is poised to swoop for Wimbledon's hottest youngsters after the London club was placed into administration yesterday.

The Dons, once owned by Bluebirds chief Sam Hammam, have been plunged into a financial crisis because of a decline in home gates and a controversial switch to a new home in Milton Keynes which has angered fans.

But Lawrence, looking to bolster his squad for next season's assault on Division One, has the perfect opportunity to acquire the ailing club's most promising talent.

The 55-year-old has made no secret of the fact he rates four Wimbledon players - midfielders Nigel Reo-Coker, Lionel Morgan and Damien Francis as well as forward Joel McAnuff.

Speaking before the end of last season, he said, "Sam (Hammam) and I have been to Wimbledon a few times and they have some excellent young players."

But City's elevation to the First Division last month combined with Wimbledon's financial problems means Lawrence could tempt some - or all - of those players to Ninian Park.

"Cardiff might be an attractive proposition for these players because of Sam. He has known them since they were kids," added Lawrence.

McAnuff, 21, broke into the Dons first team in 2001-02 and made an instant impression on the right-side of midfield - a weak link in the current City side.

Francis, 24, was blooded into the Dons side during their last season in the Premiership. Morgan, 20, was recently linked with a &#xA3;750,000 move to Tottenham while Reo-Coker, 19, is highly-rated by the Dons coaching staff.

City have been linked with a number of players since winning last month's play-off final against Queens Park Rangersbut with Lawrence tomorrow heading for his summer break, City are still to make their first summer signing.

FORMER Cardiff City winger Gareth Ainsworth is being linked with a move to Queens Park Rangers.

Ainsworth moved to Ninian Park in March on a short-term contract that expired at the end of the 200203 season.

Now QPR manager Ian Holloway is reported to be interested in the 30-year-old.